Tasik Bera Swamp Ecosystem

"Explore Malaysia's Largest Wetland Wilderness"

Experience the open water odyssey of the Tasik Bera swamp ecosystem, a unique mixture of maze-like waterways, lowland jungle and wetland animals and a traditional Semelai community.

As one of only two (Tasik Chini the other) and the nation's largest freshwater lake, inflowing streams and thick swamplands make up the wetland's core area, 35 km long and 25 km wide with over 6,800 hectares of wetland habitats.

As a refuge for swamp animals and plants, these habitats harbour endangered mammals and fish, lots of turtles and some rare plants.

Inhabited by the Semelai for over 600 years, the lake's natural resources still provide forest products, fish and wild game for the community. Today they also cultivate rubber trees and oil palm crops, and produce handicrafts to gain additional income.

To safeguard these special habitats and species, Tasik Bera is now recognized as an important wetland site. The first wetland habitat in Malaysia to be declared a protected sanctuary under the international RAMSAR Convention.

Tasik Bera Swamp Ecosystem: Outdoor Action

Get out into the wetland wilderness and get a feel for living in the great outdoors.

You can ease into just about anything at Tasik Bera swamp ecosystem or do nothing at all:

Spend a day boating the maze of screwpine canals to observe and photograph pitcher plants, swamp scenes, wetland birds, big frogs and long snakes or anything that catches your eye.

Visit the Semelai village and practice handicraft arts and learn how they use the natural resources of the lake.

Take a guide and camp out to test your wilderness skills by tracking game, identifying other species and plants and living off the land.

Or just find a secluded spot and flex your fishing rod until you catch something for dinner.

Choose An Outdoor Activity

Jungle Trekking

Hit the lowland and peat swamp forest trails with a guide to observe wild animals and identify useful plants that surround the freshwater swamp.

Lake Cruises

Take a motorized boat and ride all over the swamp to see its immense size and diverse habitats, but jump off at least once for a walk on a forest trail.

Birdwatching

Plenty of species are found in the large expanse of the wetlands, like babblers, woodpeckers, kingfishers and even hornbills overhead, but be aware that some days seldom is seen.

Made from tree trunks, the Semelai dugout or perahu jalur, glides on the lake surface and cuts easily through reed beds to allow traditional hunting of turtles and other wetland animals.

Jungle Camping

Get back to the simple life and enjoy the daily grind of trekking, fishing, cooking and eating, and sleep with the rhythm of nature sounds.

Fishing

Stay nearby the lake shoreline or head out to a special reed-filled inlet to find that elusive whopper or at least a few good ones to keep.

Semelai Village

Visit the village to observe how the lake people use leaves to weave baskets and mats, harvest forest produce or hunt small mammals in making use of the natural resources of the swamps.

Tasik Bera Swamp Ecosystem: A Wild Sanctuary

Exploring the jungles and swamps of Tasik Bera gives you a chance to see its rich biodiversity.

As a riverine swamp its a unique landscape to soak in. With nearly 100 fish species and over 230 birds, anglers and birders have plenty to hook or look forward to.

Swamp forests and lowland forests harbour large mammals such as tigers and tapirs, and even Asian elephants. Ten different turtle species, including the Striped Giant Soft-shelled turtle, find shelter in the lake ecosystems.

Endangered species, such as the prized Arowana fish, and extremely rare species, like the ancient Malayan false gharial - from the crocodile family with a narrow long snout for catching fish.